Base 9
1997 On a train in France, talks of creating a label eventually lead to the birth of Base 9. Shane and Ryan Ries (brothers to Raul Ries Jr. the CEO of skateboard clothing giant C1rca) started making, promoting, and selling records to local record stores in the Los Angeles area and eventually around the world. While in Paris, he and his brother face street violence, which will go on to inspire the movie The Parisian Incident.

1998 The Base 9 label hooked up with Rose Pierce at Ruffhouse/Ovum/Columbia, to head the Los Angeles street team promotion for artists such as Lauryn Hill, Cypress Hill, Pras, Josh Wink, and Wyclef. This, in turn, helped to build a positive reputation amongst industry insiders.

1999-2000 The label moved forward and submerged deeply into the skate scene aiding in promotional and cross-promotional activities for companies such as Active Ride Shop, Utility Board Shop, Hot Skates, and his brothers company C1rca. Base 9 also was involved in providing artists to perform at various skate demos and events. Base 9 has also represented at Skate Jam 2000, Project 3, and Glen Fest, which also brought major exposure and awareness for the company.

2001-2002 Base 9 enters into music licensing, providing music for television, video games, film productions, and the Internet. Companies in particular that have utilized Base 9's music are Vans, MTV, VH1, Bluetorch on the Fox Sports Network, Transworld "Feedback" DVD, Hardcore Candy TV, and Atari/Infogrames (publishers of Twsurf and Twsnow game on Sony Playstation 2 and the X Box).

2003-2004 Base 9 artist Alfa One Seven, creates a huge buzz for the label by collaborating with Bizzart and Alicia Keys' beat boxer Anointed S at major concerts around Los Angeles and the country of Romania. On the streets, the label joined forces with Rip Curl clothing to heighten company awareness throughout Southern California.

2005-2006 Base 9 made enormous progress with music licensing in the television market, creating high notoriety for the label. Also, Base 9 along with Active skate company, created monthly shows called "The X-concerts", which brought some of the best underground artists together to perform.

2007 The company enters into the film industry with its first short film, The Parisian Incident, which is based on true events. Production of the film made it clear that filmmaking was the next direction for Base 9.

2008 The Parisian Incident was nominated for Best Short Film at the “Atlanta, Georgia International Film Festival” while writing and shooting began for two new short films. Abraham's desert, which is focused on the Jewish and Arab conflict in the modern state of Israel, and Cycle, a film that looks at the cycle of life and the decisions that affect an individuals life forever. Also, the band Rebirth finished their latest CD, Episode 6, which was released worldwide through itunes and is being played on various MTV shows.

2009 Base 9 was introduced by Ryan Ries to Thewhosoevers.com movement which was founded by Sonny Sandoval from P.O.D and backed by Ryan Ries, Brain "Head" Welch from Korn, and the band Flyleaf along with other musicians and artists. Base 9 was invited by The Whosoevers to document on film the growing movement as it evolves into the year 2011. The company also introduced a short film vignette to the crowds at the massive Las Vegas event called Exitconcerts.com which took place at the Thomas Mack arena featuring Brain "Head" Welch from Korn, Blindside and Flyleaf.

2010 The company is still producing and licensing music for Artist, TV and Film. Base 9 also is celebrating the completion and distribution of Cycle. The film is being offered to the public for FREE on SD DVD or view it in HD here on it's home page: myspace.com/cyclethemovie

Base 9's focus is to always push forward in all areas and to stretch the limits of the company. With no end in sight this chronicle is to be continued...

Click here to view all Base 9 video content.

Rebirth
In 1999 Rebirth started as a group of musicians coming together to give back some of their time, talents, and passion for music to bless others. Working with a number of talented musicians has helped the band evolve into what it is today. Fusing Jazz, Hip Hop, and old school Funk, this Los Angeles based band creates songs that appeal to wide range of music lovers. If you like music by the Roots, Alicia Keys, Angie Stone, and Classic Motown, you'll love the sound of Rebirth. Please update this on the site.

Lead singer Ehmandah, offers a rich and honest voice that sets the tone for the music. Gootch, former drummer and percussionist for Jon Gibson, All Together Separate, Ben Harper, and Marc Ford from the Black Crowes, delivers tight and "in the pocket" grooves. On keyboards no other would do than "J. Michael" who has toured with many renowned R&B artists. Helping to drive the band is Zach Rudulph, who's skill on the bass gets heads bobbing on any given night. He has toured with reggae band Christafari and Hip Hop band Glory. Last but not least is Rebirth founder, Guitarist and Producer for the band, Shane Ries, who puts it all together.

Voice and Songwriter: Ehmandah
Credits: Bobby Jones Gospel Show, The Gospel of Music with Jeff Majors, background vocals for Artist Michelle Bonilla, and has shared the stage with artist and music producer Isaac J. Phillips and artist Lisa McClendon. Presently playing with Rebirth (Base 9)

Keys: J Michael O'Neal
Credits: Howard Hewitt (Elektra), Allison Williams (Def Jam), L.V. (Grammy Award winner for Dangerous Minds), Bridgette McWilliams (Virgin Records), Howard McCrary (EMI), Darius McCrary (Family Matters), Chaka Khan (EMI), Keicia Lewis (Kebar Records), and Tina Marie (Epic), Jon Gibson (Frontline/Gospocentric/Universal Records); Dex Alexander (Altogether Separate). Presently playing with Tyrone Wells (Universal Republic) and Rebirth (Base 9)

Drums: Gootch
Credits: Jon Gibson, All Together Separate, Roby Duke, Ben Harper, and Marc Ford from the Black Crowes. Presently playing with Rebirth (Base 9)

Bass: Zach Rudulph
Credits: Christafari, Glory
Presently playing with Rebirth (Base 9)

Guitar, Songwriter, and Producer: Shane Ries
Credits: Recorded music for the award winning documentary "Bomb It", MTV, Vans, VH1, Bluetorch on the Fox Sports Network, Transworld "Feedback" DVD, Hardcore Candy TV, and Atari/Infogrames (publishers of Twsurf and Twsnow game on Sony Playstation 2 and the X Box). Recorded as artists The Key (Unicorn Record, UK) Dr. Onionskin, Alfa One Seven, Fhonic, Moonraker, Graf, B Roc, and J Majik. Presently playing with Rebirth (Base 9), and scoring music for TV and Films.

Elokwent
Born and raised in Watts, CA the notorious breeding ground of the world-renowned Watts 103rd street band, he brings a fusion of soulful R&B and Hip Hop that is all his own. Producing infectious melodies and cold crushing bass lines, his sounds are guaranteed to roc the spot every time. To date, he has released three independent albums and has also landed his music on several shows for MTV. Currently he performs live with Base 9's infamous Rebirth band as the production DJ droppin' the right samples at the right time to bring that little bit of extra flavor.

Fhonic
Born and raised in South Africa, Fhonic unravels his flavorful sound by implementing both Old and Nu Skool break beats in his creative loops. His influences from US Motown and UK break beat have greatly contributed in pioneering a distinct style of breaks. Thus, each devised noise is intricately layered over a strong, continuous break beat backdrop that is displayed by his manipulative use of acidic riffs. On top of his cutting edge music, Fhonic has turned the heads of his South African Peers, and now brings forth his unique production to the world.

Sphere
Taking you to the edge with his hard hitting Techno, this Dutch producer brings the assault by brilliantly crafting a sound derived from Amsterdam and Detroit. Nurtured in Amsterdam's sound, Sphere developed a passion for beats at a very young age. As his interest in Techno grew stronger and stronger, it led him to familiarize himself with different styles of Techno - notably the O.G. Techno from Detroit. With these influences, Sphere blended and fused together these various styles of Techno into the sound that is his own. The first release on Base 9 was a collaborative vinyl with another Base 9 artist Moonraker. This vinyl had reputable standing and proved worthy in the underground scene. Sphere will continue to create and always keep you guessing on what he will do next, stay tuned...

Moonraker
A producer from Finland brings a distinct blend of static energy and bass to the electronic scene. Influenced by Old Skool Minimal House, Moonraker drives to create his own flavor of House music. Producing a trademark sound of noises, abstract sounds, bass hooks, and strong usages of low end frequencies to make the subs crumble. Simplicity is the key component that defines Moonraker's production.

Dr. Onionskin
A producer from Los Angeles, Dr. Onionskin is a revolutionary artist. His musical talents are constantly being shaped by his continual exposure to many different styles of music. At the start of his career, he intended to remain a producer and had no plans of making live appearances. In time, however, his flawless production gained wide recognition and the masses demanded his beats to be publicized. As he traveled around the world, his sounds began to infiltrate the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. Dr. Onionskin has become an icon in the underground scene. Magazines such as URB, Lotus, BMP, Fix, and DMA, properly gave "Props" and respect for his unprecedented productions. This eclectic artist has a wide range of music he has produced, from House, Tek-House, Acid Jazz, Jungle, Drum n Bass, to Break Beat. His sounds are drenched with knob-tweaking noises, syncopated melodies, and upfront hooks. No matter what your musical tastes are, Dr. O can prescribe a remedy.

Sp-12
Born with turntables and a microphone in hand, Sp-12, raised in Los Angeles, was exposed to a very musically conscious environment. Inspired by the sounds of Jazz and Funk, Sp-12 is known for his funky head bobbing beats laced with sedative but penetrating lyrics. As a child, Sp-12 was greatly cultivated by his father's musical talent for mimicking syncopated noises and beats with his mouth. That was the beginning of his step towards exercising vocal and oral capability of beat boxing. During his adolescent years, Sp-12 acquired a craft of rhyming and the art of DJ-ing. Mesmerized by techniques that surround music, he started creating a collection of records. Before purchasing a set of turntables, he had thoroughly saturated himself with different genres and styles of music. His strategy to soak in diverse music helped him to understand how to blend a wide range of beats to create an inventive and unparalleled sound. Some of his influences are: Yngvie Malmstein, Jimmy Hendrix, Fela Kuti, Prince, Parliament Funkadelic, Bobby Mcferrin, Grant Green , Joni Mitchell, Omar, Musiq Soul Child, just to name a few. Sp-12's credibility lies in his many performances including the opportunity to open up for Common, Rahzel, and the X-Executioners (X-Men). Sp-12's goal is to continue to master the mechanics of manipulation, the blending of beats, and creating an energy filled atmosphere within the masses.

Essential Grooves
Essential Grooves, DJ Episode and MC Eno DNA, are two young brothers from Los Angeles, who are bridging the gap between Hip Hop and Drum n Bass. Bringing this new breed of Drum n Bass, these brothers created a new vibe called Beat Fusion. With the blending of their unique style of Hip Hop influences over smooth Jungle tracks and the fierce vocals of MC Eno DNA, they are determined to make their mark in the underground scene! An extensive, yet fairly short career stateside, these two cats have the intellect for crafting tight beats and rockin’ the mind and soul alongside the likes of the world renowned Redman, Methodman, and Rahzel from the "Roots." Essential Grooves has also made special appearances with America's very own Drum n Bass king Dieselboy, recording artist Beck, DJ Swamp, Wu-Tang, Sage, Hive, UFO!, and a host of other U.S. recording artists. While in the mist of a skateboarding revolution, Essential Grooves was among the very first to bring in the sounds of Beat Fusion and Drum n Bass to skateboarders across the globe. Mass support from skate companies and shops such as C1rca footwear and Active Ride Shop, Eno DNA and DJ Episode have been invited to represent their skills at countless skateboard shops and skate demos, such as Skate Jam 2000, Glenfest 2000, and Project 3. Be on the look out for two young U.S. kids waxing poetic rhymes and tearing it up on the wheels of steel.

Lyrical Ginseng
Having his roots in the heart of Kenya, Lyrical Ginseng manifests his native understanding of rhythm and beats as he releases another species of Drum n Bass. Cultured in American Hip Hop and British Drum n Bass, this African artist percolates his blistering beats as it lurches forward with an unsettling effect and heavy steppin’ bass. An invasion of incisive beats and the sultry mixture of Beat Fusion, Lyrical Ginseng brings plenty of momentum to the dance floor. His influences include: Angelique Kidjo, Bobby Darrin, Tito Puente, Jimmy Smith, Lady Smith and Black Mambazo, Ronny Jordan, De La Sol, Englebert Humperdink, and Slum Village. Lyrical Ginseng will take you on a wicked ride filled with infectious bass lines, exploding rhythmic surges, and stampeding drums.

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